African leaders calls for urgent need to empower women, youth in agriculture

The call was made during the ongoing CAADP in Kampala.

African leaders, civil society representatives, government officials, and development partners have issued a call for urgent action to empower women and youth in the continent's agricultural sector.

The call was made during a meeting held on the sidelines of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda.

The meeting highlighted the critical contributions of women and youth, who constitute nearly two-thirds of the agricultural value chain, from production to distribution but face persistent challenges including limited access to land, inputs, technology, finance, and market opportunities.

Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and AGRA Board Chair, stressed the importance of good governance and leadership in breaking structural barriers.

“Effective governance and committed leadership are paramount to unlocking the full participation of women and youth in Africa’s agri-food systems," Desalegn said.

He further urged decisive action required, with only 11 countries on track to meet 2030 goals for women and youth in agriculture.

The meeting underscored the potential of Africa's youthful population, with 70% under 30 and 60% employed in agriculture which presents opportunities for innovation and growth.

AGRA together with other development organizations, including the Mastercard Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the African Union Commission, are actively working to empower women and youth.

For instance, the Mastercard Foundation has committed over $10 billion to youth employment programs in Africa, focusing on increased access to resources, market opportunities, technology, skills training, mentorship, and investment in women-led enterprises.

“Youth and women must be at the center of our continent’s transformation, not just as participants, but as leaders and change-makers who can shape Africa's future,”Ms. Wambui Chege, Director, Agriculture, Pan Africa Programs at

Mastercard Foundation, said.

FAO is working to reduce workloads through technology and improve market access for women.

The African Union Commission has co-developed investment guidelines specifically targeting youth in agriculture.

The Kampala Declaration, which includes the CAADP and Action Plan Strategy, has put emphasis on the role of women and youth in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation.

Mr. Mansoor Ahmad, Deputy Group Head at the UK's FCDO, urged immediate action.

“Now is the time for us to act. We have a clear framework…we must pursue with intention the inclusion of women, youth, and other protected characteristics and communities in program implementation," he noted.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to prioritize and accelerate efforts to fully integrate and empower women and youth in Africa's agricultural sector to unlocking their potential for inclusive growth and sustainable development.